Therapists’ Experiences of Delivering Therapy to Children Seeking Refuge and Asylum: A Qualitative Study

Objective Few studies examine how therapists adapt their approaches when providing psychological therapy to children seeking refuge and asylum and how therapists experience the unique challenges of this work. This study aims to explore therapists’ experiences in delivering therapy to children seeking refuge and asylum, specifically focusing on how they conceptualise their work and provide care to this population. Method Nine mental health therapists working in the United Kingdom took part in semi-structured interviews and data was analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results Data from the interviews were organised into three superordinate themes: the importance of remaining flexible in therapy; stepping into different roles; navigating therapeutic instability. These themes covered the kinds of adaptations that therapists make in their work with this population – both in technique and therapeutic stance – as well as the struggles therapists face. Conclusions This study explored therapists’ experiences of delivering therapy to CSRA. Findings highlight the centrality of cultural adaptations in this work, alongside therapists’ roles in supporting patients with non-clinical needs. Therapists also reported emotional distress related to the significant challenges and instability CSRA face during the asylum process in the UK. Further research could examine these areas in greater depth to strengthen the understanding of clinical work with CSRA and inform practice and policy.